Watson wants 'perfect preparation' from South Shields as National League North title bid resumes
South Shields return to their National League North title battle with a home game against Leamington on Saturday.
South Shields manager Ian Watson has challenged his side to ‘be perfect’ in their preparations for Saturday’s home game with National League North rivals Leamington.
The Mariners will return to action for the first time since they battled to a 1-1 draw at Buxton two weeks ago when the Brakes visit the 1st Cloud Arena this weekend in the first of two home games in the space of 72 hours. That offers an opportunity to build up some serious momentum as Watson’s side look to continue their push for a historic promotion into the National League during the second half of the season.
As it stands, the Mariners sit two points clear of second placed AFC Fylde, with Merthyr sitting a further point adrift in third. With an exciting period lying in wait, Watson has called for focus from his players as they prepare for their first home game since a 6-0 hammering of Spennymoor Town on Boxing Day.
He told The Gazette: “It feels like a while since we’ve had a game and it’s only been one weekend but we are just really looking forward to being back at home. It’s like we’ve had a mini break in the middle of the season and that’s a good thing and I think it was needed for everyone. We are looking forward to the second half of the season and we know opposition will be a little bit better because of our league position but that is something we thrive on. We look at every game as an opportunity, we are in really good form and we are really focused on Leamington on Saturday by making sure training is perfect, the preparations are perfect and getting our game perfect."
Looking to improve
Watson could hand a debut to forward Sonny Finch after the Mariners agreed a deal to take the Middlesbrough youngster on loan until the end of the season. With David Carson’s back injury still being monitored by the club’s medical staff and fellow midfielder Luke Woolston returning to Middlesbrough after his loan expired, there is a possibility the Mariners could look to add to their options in the middle of the park.
However, Watson has warned he will only look to make a move if he feels a potential signing can improve his starting eleven.
He said: “It’s one of those when I can say I am always open to strengthening the group - but I don’t like bringing in players who I don’t feel will strengthen the starting eleven. I only want to bring in players that will do that and it gives me a headache. We want 15 or 16 players that are going to be good enough to be in that starting eleven. So we are always looking, we are always looking to improve but we have a really strong group and it’s going to take a really good player to get our interest and bring them into a really good group. I’m not saying no because you just don’t know and if something comes up then we will look at it. There’s nothing outgoing at the moment either, and I mean today or tomorrow but we will see where we are at over the coming weeks.”